Re: [t] Newby in Distress

[Guest guest]

Lori,

Terry's right. It's surprising that you weren't started on a DMARD. If

your RA diagnosis is certain and you have a high RF and sed rate,

aggressive treatment is warranted.

Here is a link to the American College of Rheumatology's geographic

membership directory for those physicians providing patient care in NC:

http://www.rheumatology.org/directory/states.asp?findLnk=NC & hCountry=USA & cbxPati\

entCare=Yes & Submit=Find+a+rheumatologist

When I scanned the list for Chapel Hill, I saw Nortin Hadler listed.

He's a prominent figure rheumatology. He is a very controversial figure,

but I have always been interesting in reading what he has to say. Hope

he wasn't the one you struck out with, LOL! Pisetsky in Durham is

also someone I've admired from afar. He's a wonderful writer and has

authored some very moving essays. I can't recommend these physicians

from experience, but they are both well-respected in their field.

We have members who live in your area who may be able to give you a

recommendation.

Dietary changes can help, but I know of no diet that can substitute for

a DMARD or combination of DMARDs. You can always do both.

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

----- Original Message -----

>

> Hi all,

>

> My name is Lori, and I had a rapid onset case of RA 6 months ago when

> my first child was a month and half old. This disease has been the

> biggest challenge of my life. I first saw a quack doctor at UNC in

> Chapel Hill, then went to a standard rheumatologist in Raleigh. He

> hasn't been much help either. His only solution was to give me

> steroid injections and to put me on Lodine (NSAID). I had to beg him

> to give me a rx for DMARDS. I have begun to try various diets as

> well. I went through the elimination diet, and found that tomatoes

> made me flare up so that I couldn't move. I saw an allergist (I

> didn't tell him my theory at first) and he confirmed that I was

> allergic to tomatoes and oats. Has anyone else looked into the link

> between RA and allergies? I have just finished reading The Maker's

> Diet by ??? Rubin. I'm wondering if anyone has had any success with

> these types of diet changes or if I'm merely wasting my time. I feel

> as though there are no good rheumatologists around, and that swimming

> around in the sea of internet medical jargin alone. My husband loves

> me very much, and is completely supportive, but as I am consumed with

> getting over this disease, it's hard for him to hear about it all the

> time. I have never been so lonely in all my life!!! Can anyone

> offer any suggestions?